I'm in a Jam

driftandrally616 · Post by **driftandrally616** » Tue Jul 29, 2008 11:56 pm

Hey guys, I'm new to this forum and the Fiat world. I recently purchased a '79 spider 5spd and plan to restore it. While going through the car, I realized the handbrake did not work...so first thought that came to mind was to buy a new cable. But this was only the beginning...After inspecting the rear calipers to try to figure out why I couldn't get the old cable off, I realized the brakes were dragging immensely, adding to my cooling system problems. But I ordered some restored calipers on IAP, and today...tried to install. Well one went ok, but the nut on the rubber brake hose connecting to the left rear caliper was tightened by superman and it is not coming off, and is stripped (even after vice-grips). So getting to the point, I'm wondering how the hell I am going to get this stupid caliper off my car so I can drive it again, and get the Rejection sticker removed off my windshield. Thanks in advance,
Derek

So Cal Mark · Post by **So Cal Mark** » Wed Jul 30, 2008 12:04 am

can you disconnect the e brake cable, then turn the caliper, leaving the hose attached to the hard line? Or, since the nut is rounded off, replace the hard line? It only runs to the middle of the rear axle, so replacing the line isn't too hard

driftandrally616 · Post by **driftandrally616** » Wed Jul 30, 2008 12:51 am

Well I disconnected the whole e-brake cable awhile ago, I cut it off...but what do you mean by turning the caliper? I tried to get it off where the hose meets the metal brake line but everything is tightened so tight on this one caliper. I ordered a new hose anyway, should I cut it? I dunno if I will be able to get it off still, but hopefully I can...Thanks

mbouse · Post by **mbouse** » Wed Jul 30, 2008 10:52 am

let me try rewording this suggested answer. sometimes that helps...
the caliper is connected to a hose. that hose is about 8" long.
the hose is connected to a steel line. that steel line is about 36" long.
the steel line is connected to a tee-fitting in the middle of the top of the rear axle, just to the left of the differential.

Disconnect the hand brake cable from the caliper.
disconnect the old caliper from the 8" hose, leaving the hose connected to the steel line.
DON'T CUT THE HOSE OR THE TUBE.
connect the new caliper to the existing rubber hose. connect the hand brake cable to the new caliper.
you no longer have to worry about the superman connection between the steel line and the hose.

or

disconnect the hand brake cable from the caliper.
disconnect the steel line from the tee fitting.
replace both the steel line and the rubber hose with new.
connect the new caliper to the new rubber hose.
connect the hand brake cable to the new caliper.

remember....the rear caliper pistons are NOT to be pressed into the caliper with a C-clamp, but must be screwed in and out of the caliper.
most over-the-counter guys at the local parts store are unaware that Fiats do not use "standard" USA threads on their brake lines. be sure to carry your 10mm x 1.25 thread brake line fitting with you when you ask for assistance in getting new lines.

driftandrally616 · Post by **driftandrally616** » Wed Jul 30, 2008 12:14 pm

Ok, thank you that makes sense...I tried to disconnect the hose from both the caliper and where it meets the steel line and both are stripping with vice-grips on them. I think I will replace everything and just connect it to my new caliper and get it back onto the car. I already ordered a new hose from IAP, and so I can just go to NAPA or whatever and buy a brake line? Do you by any chance know the length of the line from the hose to the axle that I need? Thanks, good to see helpful people are still around.
Derek

mbouse · Post by **mbouse** » Wed Jul 30, 2008 12:34 pm

huh. well, if the hose is bonded to the caliper, my bet goes that there is no copper washer. cannot imagine that steel bonded to copper and copper bonded to aluminum all in the same fitting. I'll bet the P.O. forgot the all important washer and went directly from the steel hose end to the caliper.

if my memory serves correctly, i had to buy an american standard thread and an adaptor from that to metric when i bought my replacement lines at auto zone.

if you are gonna take the old line off anyway...do that first, then you can get the exact measurement you need.

driftandrally616 · Post by **driftandrally616** » Wed Jul 30, 2008 1:20 pm

Alright, I thought I saw the copper washer under there, but I may be wrong...or the PO could have actually been superman, either that or the dark knight. Do they have the adaptors at the parts store as well?

mbouse · Post by **mbouse** » Wed Jul 30, 2008 2:38 pm

if they don't, time to getta nudder parts store.

yes, they should have what you need.

i noticed that Vick sells a complete kit of brake lines for the Spider. hmm, right size, right quantity, right threads, might be worth looking into.

the chances of having the exact length at your local parts store is slim. you'll end up buying something that is 10-12" too long and making a loop or two of tube at the wheel. PITA. remember to NOT kink the tube. do ya know how to bend this stuff into a loop without kinking it? grab a soup can (or similar) and gently bend the tube end around the can to form a loop that consumes the excess tube length.

So Cal Mark · Post by **So Cal Mark** » Wed Jul 30, 2008 3:47 pm

or buy a used line that will fit exactly. As for the hose, it has to be tight enough to crush the copper washer otherwise it will leak under pressure. Remount the caliper in the bracket, then break the hose loose

mdrburchette · Post by **mdrburchette** » Wed Jul 30, 2008 7:31 pm

I sprayed mine with PB Blaster and they came right off...this is the car that sat in the weather since 1989.

So Cal Mark · Post by **So Cal Mark** » Wed Jul 30, 2008 10:41 pm

ah Denise, we're all very aware of your superhuman strength!

driftandrally616 · Post by **driftandrally616** » Wed Jul 30, 2008 10:57 pm

hahaha, well currently I am running drastically low on spending money, and if I don't have the car on the ground by Friday it will sit like that for a week and I don't want that. But I plan to take the brake line off tomorrow and get a measurement then go to the parts store and buy some. Hopefully they're not more money than my friend has to lend me

I've been religiously spraying those damn nuts with WD-40 so hopefully I can at least get the hose detached from the brake line so I can get the caliper off my car. I'll have news tomorrow, thanks

P.S. - Is there any special locking mechanism or something that holds the hose to the brake line, it's been mostly dark when I've been doing this due to working during the day, and you can't see every detail with a spotlight.

driftandrally616 · Post by **driftandrally616** » Wed Jul 30, 2008 11:00 pm

A different mechanism from twisting the two in opposite directions, that is

So Cal Mark · Post by **So Cal Mark** » Wed Jul 30, 2008 11:30 pm

no, but if you've been using vise grips the nut may not be round anymore. Instead of replacing the entire line, you could just buy a nut, and re-flare the end of the line. Or, take the line off and go to a shop that makes hoses and have them flare it.

driftandrally616 · Post by **driftandrally616** » Wed Jul 30, 2008 11:35 pm

What does flaring do?

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